New Zealand’s captain Brendon McCullum was cleared of a serious injury after taking a severe blow from Mitchell Johnson on the forearm in the match today against Australia.
McCullum looked in serious trouble after coping from a short bowl bowled by Johnson at 150 clicks in the third over of their chase of 152. Play was stopped for a while for McCullum to gather himself back and take the necessary treatment for him to carry on as he was very essential in the chase. The Physio used the magic spray, bandaged the arm and strapped an arm guard and what McCullum did after that was spectacular smashing Australian bowlers all around the Park scoring 50 of 24 balls as New Zealand won the match by one wicket. He even charged towards Johnson, the same bowler who bowled that nasty delivery, blasting him for a huge six.
McCullum though, throughout the innings felt uneasy and struggled feeling his arm. He kept shaking it after every to keep the blood flow intact.
His selflessness was proved by the fact that he did not went back to the dressing room after taking that blow and was with the team rather than going for an X-ray even after he got dismissed.
Kane Williamson said there are no worries about his captain’s condition and said he will be alright. “I think he’s OK. It was a bit of a concern when a ball that fast hits you on the arm but he’s a tough competitor and he’s a strong leader so I’m sure he’ll be fine.”
McCullum has been the key to New Zealand’s victories this world cup and his loss would have cost the team dearly. So far he has scored 207 runs at an average of 51.75 and a stike rate of 188.18 which shows the impact he has had on this world cup. Charging fast bowlers, neutralizing the new ball and throeing bowlers of the track is what he has been doing and is the reason why the team has been successful. He is indispensable to the team. New Zealand has three days before reassembling at Napier for their match against Afghanistan.
